Sights to See

The College of the Ozarks has a variety of unique experiences to offer to anyone visiting the Ozarks region. Located near the tourist destination of Branson, Missouri, College of the Ozarks warmly welcomes all visitors to enjoy our beautiful campus.

Sights To See:

The Keeter Center was designed to reflect Dobyns Hall, a rustic Maine lodge displayed at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. The lodge was subsequently relocated to the School of the Ozarks, where it stood until 1930. One hundred years later, that lodge has been re-created. A night at The Keeter Center ensures sweet dreams. Thirty beautifully decorated suites await you, some with fireplaces and balconies overlooking the tranquil College of the Ozarks campus. Whether a Loft Suite with hewn-log vaulted ceilings, a Skyline Suite with separate bedroom, or the ultimate, two-bedroom Presidential Suite, a night at The Keeter Center is an unparalleled experience. The Keeter Center is also home to some of the Ozarks’ finest dining. From a sumptuous Sunday brunch in William R. Dobyns Dining Room to a casual dining experience on our patio, dining at The Keeter Center will be a treat long treasured! Boasting nearly 100,000 square feet of space, The Keeter Center is the perfect venue for any event. From small functions requiring an intimate boardroom setting to grand events such as weddings, The Keeter Center offers a perfect blend of personal attention and warm, rustic elegance. Please visit The Keeter Center web site for more information.

Williams Memorial Chapel is an outstanding example of neo-Gothic architecture. The structure, dedicated in 1956, measures 150 feet long and 80 feet wide, with an 80-foot-high vaulted ceiling and impressive stained glass windows. Attached to the chapel is the Hyer Bell Tower. Sunday services beginning at 11 a.m. are open to the public.

The Ralph Foster Museum is dedicated to the history of the Ozarks region. Named in honor of the late Ralph D. Foster, radio pioneer and philanthropist, the museum houses thousands of artifacts representing archaeology, history, firearms, antiques, numismatics, natural history, fine arts, geology and mineralogy. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. A small admission fee is charged; ages 18 and under are admitted free. Please visit The Ralph Foster Museum web site for more information.

Fruitcake and Jelly Kitchen, since 1934, College of the Ozarks has produced its famous fruitcakes on campus, and today student workers, along with supervisors, bake more than 25,000 cakes a year. Visitors are welcome in the kitchen where a variety of jellies and the College's delicious apple butter are also made and sold. Please visit the Fruitcakes & Other Goodies page for more information.

Edwards Mill, built with funds provided by the late Mr. and Mrs. Hubert C. Edwards, is powered by a twelve-foot water wheel turned by runoff water from nearby Lake Honor. Student workers grind whole-grain meal and flour, available for purchase inside the building. Upstairs is a weaving studio, where students design and produce rugs, shawls, placemats and other items on traditional looms. Downstairs, students hand-weave baskets.

The C of O Greenhouses, located east of Edwards Mill, are home to the Clint McDade orchid collection. Mr. McDade, one of the School's first students, donated the nucleus of the collection, which today numbers more than 7,000 plants. Individual orchids and other houseplants are for sale at the greenhouse.

The College of the Ozarks Bookstore offers College of the Ozarks and Hard Work U. logo items that can be purchased to show your support for College of the Ozarks. Please visit the Bookstore page for more information.